“As members of Vanderbilt’s largest school, the faculty, students and staff of the College of Arts and Science are foundational elements of our university’s identity and success,” Wente said. “I’m grateful to Professor Geer for his willingness to serve in this important role, and am confident this committee will identify a stellar candidate to lead the college into its next era.”

“I am looking forward to working with my fellow committee members as we identify the College of Arts and Science’s next leader,” Geer said. “Our committee has critical representation from all corners of the university, ensuring that we bring diverse perspectives to bear on this important recruitment.“

The committee includes trustee and Vanderbilt alumnus David Patterson, alumnus and Arts and Science Board of Visitors member Brian Grove, and Owen Graduate School of Management Dean M. Eric Johnson. Joining them are faculty from the College of Arts and Science, the Blair School of Music, the School of Engineering, Peabody College of education and human development, Owen Graduate School of Management and the School of Medicine. Recent Ph.D. graduate Jessica Riviere and current undergraduate Khalila Blake will also serve on the committee. An external search firm will be secured to assist the committee.

John M. Sloop is the interim dean of the College of Arts and Science. Sloop, who is a professor of communication studies and has also served as senior associate dean for faculty in Arts and Science, was appointed interim dean by Zeppos in May 2014 after former dean Carolyn Dever assumed the role of provost at Dartmouth College.

Search committee members

John Geer, ChairGertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science
Chair of Political Science
Professor of Public Policy and Education